This Earth Day, Walt Disney World Resort turns the key on a new environmental stewardship initiative to reduce its bus fleet emissions by nearly half. One of the state's largest, Disney's guest bus fleet is among the first in the country to run on R50, a cleaner renewable diesel made from used cooking oil, non-consumable food waste and diesel. With its significant investment in this technology, the resort anticipates a nearly 50 percent reduction of green house gases contributed to the environment by Disney buses. "Switching to R50 is an example of Disney's commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation," said Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., vice president of animals, science and environment at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Leveraging alternative fuel is one of the ways Disney continues to reduce its impact on the environment."

Disney Takes a Bite Out of Food Waste

The recipe for cutting down on food waste at Walt Disney World Resort includes three important ingredients: reducing, reusing and recycling. Disney's innovative systems and best practices include a new buffet optimization tool, which has reduced buffet food production by tens of thousands of pounds each year. Additionally, by collaborating with Harvest Power Orlando, Disney helps convert food waste into renewable energy for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as well as fertilizer to help revitalize local soil. "We were willing to step out of our comfort zone to introduce a new and thought-provoking idea to meet our environmental goals," said John L. Clark, chef de cuisine, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. "It's important to remember that no thought is too small to make an impact on our environment."

Disney Cast Members' Creative Contributions Support Conservation

Through their annual Earth Month rain barrel decorating contest, Cast Members at Disney's Animal Kingdom combined their creativity and love for nature to raise more than $1,300 for the Disney Conservation Fund. Artistic Cast Members portrayed a variety of wildlife and nature scenes - from Sumatran tigers to sea turtles - on the 55-gallon barrels. Fellow Cast Members browsed the creations and voted for their favorites with spare change, which adds up to one barrel-sized donation. "This is the second year I have participated in this unique event," said TJ Chimento, a custodial host at Disney's Animal Kingdom. "The fact that I can take my passion for drawing and help save animals in the wild, that's the best combination for me."

VoluntEARS Help Build UCP Playground

Helping provide a safe place to play for more than 500 local children, Disney VoluntEARS recently helped build a new playground at UCP's Pine Hills campus. Disney VoluntEARS joined UCP of Central Florida supporters and local residents in last weekend's project led by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring children's access to active play. "There's nothing Disney VoluntEARS enjoy more than bringing smiles to children's faces," said Nancy Gidusko, director of corporate citizenship for Walt Disney World Resort. "Our Cast Members are proud to be part of community projects that help strengthen children and families through healthy play."

"What I have learned from the animal world,

and what anyone will learn who studies it,

is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth

and all its inhabitants."

~ Walt Disney

ALSO MAKING HEADLINES...

"Party for the Planet" Showcases Disney

Conservation Efforts

Beginning today, guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom can join the "Party for the Planet." Interactive experiences and galleries highlight conservation and research happening around the globe, including the technology used to produce the new Disneynature film "Monkey Kingdom."

Disney Contributes

$3.7 Million to United Way Annual Campaign

Disney Cast Members wholeheartedly contributed $3.7 million to the Heart of Florida United Way 2014-2015 campaign, making Disney the group's leading donor for more than 40 years.

Disney Donates $400,000 in Branded Merchandise for Local Foster Children

Disney recently worked with Community Based Care of Central Florida to donate nearly 29,000 new, Disney-branded items such as sandals,

sunglasses and tote bags to

thousands of local foster children.

Disney Donates to Conservation International During "Monkey Kingdom" Opening Week

For every movie ticket sold during opening week of the new film "Monkey Kingdom," Disneynature will make a donation to Conservation International to help protect endangered species in their natural habitats.

Disney Supports

American Indian Scholarship Fund

Continuing its support of students who will help create a brighter tomorrow, Disney recently contributed to the American Indian College Fund to benefit Native American and Alaska Native students with dreams of attending tribal colleges and universities.